The number of K-pop fans around the world surpassed 9 million last year, according to a recent report by the Korea Foundation.
The number stood at 9.28 million, up 2.58 million from 2012. Fan clubs came in at 987, up 204 from a year ago.
By region, the Asia-Pacific had the greatest number of K-pop-loving fans at 6.8 million, while Africa and the Middle East together reported the most significant surge.
The combined number of fans in Africa and the Middle East tripled to 60,000, with countries like Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Israel leading the Korean Wave in the region.
